If you have little expertise with whisky, picking a nice bottle might be difficult. It may be difficult for even experienced whisky drinkers to pronounce the names of certain Scotch whiskies. You may discover hundreds of personalised whisky labels in your neighbourhood liquor shop and many more at a whisky-only bar. Each whisky will employ a particular set of ingredients, fermentation methods, distillation procedure, and ageing time to attain its flavour profile. Here are some guidelines to follow when picking a quality whisky to help you out. Following these guidelines will make it easier to choose quality whisky.
Pick Your Preferred Whisky “Type”
The word “whisky” is often used to refer to distilled liquor derived from grain mash. Depending on the grain used and the distillation process, the resulting alcohols will have distinctively different flavours, aromas, and appearances. There are canonical procedures for distilling each kind. Scotch Whisky, for one, can only be produced in its native Scotland. Malted barley and other grains are still distilled in a copper pot, and the resulting liquid is aged for at least three years to create this mix. The Scotch whisky process involves letting the barley sprout before drying it with peat moss smoke, which enhances the flavour.
Unlike Scotch, Irish whisky commonly employs grain that has not been dried with smoke from peat moss. Whisky is currently manufactured in many nations throughout the globe, with Australia, Japan, and the United States generating some excellent Whiskies. You may learn that you prefer whisky from a given section of the globe. You can get high-quality beverages every time by sticking with the same distilleries.
Learn The Difference Between Single Malts And Blends
One of the most fundamental aspects that impact the flavour of various whiskies is how they are blended. Single malt whisky is created from malted barley and water in a pot still. It will originate from a single distillery but may include whisky from various barrels or batches. The purpose of single malt whisky manufacturers is to create a drink with particularly unique characteristics that define the flavour of a single distillery.
A blended whisky combines two or more single-malt whiskies manufactured at separate distilleries. They are mixed to produce a new-tasting character. The manufacturer’s objective is to develop a pleasant and versatile whisky. Some individuals appreciate the unique characteristics of single malt, while others favour a more pleasing and smooth blended whisky. Once you have sampled a few whiskies, you could acquire a predilection. It simplifies selecting a tasty whisky since both single malt and blended whiskies may be enjoyed using this method.
Whisky typically improves with age, which is why most distilleries store their whisky in a wood barrel for at least 3 years. The whisky will acquire part of the wood’s natural flavour during this period as it slowly seeps into the wood’s pores. The whisky’s flavour will soften as the alcohol evaporates while ageing in the barrel. Whiskies that have been aged for longer have a more complex and pleasing flavour character. If you can afford it, always go for the older whisky.
Conclusion
Typically, sherry or bourbon is used to season the barrels for use with whisky. The whisky’s flavour will improve thanks to this method. To alter the wood’s natural characteristics, many producers of personalised whisky also char their barrels. The whisky’s purity is enhanced, and its flavour is darkened or smoky thanks to the charred wood used in the ageing process.
